What is Clinical Dietetics?
Clinical dietetics is a systematic approach to treating medical conditions, complex disease processes and their associated symptoms through medical nutrition therapy (MNT). The registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) uses and applies advanced nutrition knowledge, MNT, and the nutrition care process to promote health and prevent disease.
Why Study Clinical Dietetics at Grand Valley?
- Accredited. Grand Valley State University's Clinical Dietetics Coordinated Graduate Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995; Phone: (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400. Https://www.eatrightPRO.org/ACEND
- Experiential Learning. Hands-on work in state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation, nutrition assessment, and culinary lab experiences.
- In-Demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates employment opportunities are expected to increase 11% by 2028.
- Career-focused. Healthcare professionals with advanced degrees tend to attain a higher profile within the profession.
- Return on Investment. According to the 2025 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Compensation and Benefits Report Survey, the median annual salary for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with a master's degree is $79,000.
Program Overview
Grand Valley State University's (GVSU's) Master of Science in Clinical Dietetics program is an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) accredited coordinated graduate program that is part of the School of Interdisciplinary Health within the College of Health Professions.
Our coordinated graduate program is a 27-seat cohort model that starts each Fall, is full-time, over five semesters, and consists of 52-55 credits with 1200 hours of supervised practice. Supervised practice sites are coordinated for students by faculty/supervised practice coordinators. Classes are taught using the online hybrid model, with some in-class meetings and laboratory experiences in our state-of-the-art simulation center.
Upon successful completion, this program awards a Master of Science degree and a verification statement that provides eligibility to sit for the registration exam leading to the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.
Graduate Credit for Prior Learning is available through the Clinical Dietetics program and The Graduate School Graduate Prior Learning Information - Credit for Prior Learning - Grand Valley State University
Admissions Process
Application Deadline:
January 15
Early submission is highly recommended.
All prospective students applying to the Clinical Dietetics Coordinated Graduate Program use the Dietetics Centralized Application Services (DiCAS) platform. The fall application typically opens in August or early September.
Students applying to the Applied Food & Nutrition (AFN) and Clinical Dietetics (CD) Combined Degree Program use Grand Valley State University's Graduate Application, which opens mid-September.
The $30 application fee is waived for previous applicants to Grand Valley.
Review of applications begins after January 15.
Notification of a seat offer occurs by March 1.
All students offered a seat are required to indicate their decision to the program director by March 10.
